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Happiness Over Space And Time

Author

Listed:
  • David J. Maddison
  • Katrin Rehdanz

    (Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg)

Abstract

Hedonic theory assumes that changes in land prices and wage rates eliminate the utility advantages of differing locations. Using happiness data from the German socio-economic panel this paper empirically tests whether regional utility differences exist and if so whether utility levels show any tendency to converge over time. Empirical analysis reveals substantial differences in utility over different regions of Germany. Analysing a panel of data indicates that even if individual utility levels are at any one moment in disequilibrium they are rapidly converging over Germany for all types of individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • David J. Maddison & Katrin Rehdanz, 2007. "Happiness Over Space And Time," Working Papers FNU-128, Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University, revised Feb 2007.
    • Handle: RePEc:sgc:wpaper:128
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    File URL: http://www.fnu.zmaw.de/fileadmin/fnu-files/publication/working-papers/FNU128.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2007
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Gary W. Yohe & Richard S.J. Tol, 2007. "Precaution And A Dismal Theorem: Implications For Climate Policy And Climate Research," Working Papers FNU-145, Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University, revised Aug 2007.
    2. Christine Schleupner & P. Michael Link, 2008. "Eiderstedt im Spannungsfeld zwischen Naturschutz- und Agrarpolitik - Entwicklung eines methodischen Ansatzes für ein nachhaltiges Ressourcenmanagement," Working Papers FNU-168, Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University, revised Aug 2008.
    3. P. Michael Link & C. Ivie Ramos & Uwe A. Schneider & Erwin Schmid & J. Balkovic & R. Skalsky, 2008. "The interdependencies between food and biofuel production in European agriculture - an application of EUFASOM," Working Papers FNU-165, Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University, revised Jul 2008.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    amenity value; Happiness;

    JEL classification:

    • R19 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Other

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